A Review and Critique of Smilansky's Classification Scheme and the “Nested Hierarchy” of Play Categories

Abstract

Abstract Smilansky's four-stage classification scheme for play behavior has been used extensively both as a classification device, and as a hierarchical model which provides an index of a child's maturity. In this review, problems with the scheme as a classification device are first identified. The original category definitions are imprecise, and the categories are not sufficiently inclusive for the range of children's play behaviors. There are also difficulties in deciding when play is cosntructive or symbolic. The playful nature of constructive activity needs further consideration. Some ways of dealing with these problems are identified. The use of Smilansky's scheme as a hierarchical stage model is then considered. Such use is considered unjustified, given an examination of the origins of the scheme and from a review of recent empirical evidence. There is little to justify the assumption that constructive play is a less mature form of behavior than symbolic play. The general utility of classificatory s...